I wasted $88,000 in my 20s. Here’s what purchases are worth it

Summary

This video script reflects on the importance of discipline, focus, and intentional spending for personal growth and success. The speaker shares their experience of being in 'monk mode,' where avoiding distractions led to peak productivity. They discuss how spending on distractions, such as fancy gyms and vacations, diverted them from their goals, and express regret for these choices. Emphasizing the value of one-on-one coaching, hiring good employees, and investing in high-quality food, they conclude that the right investments—especially those supporting personal development—are key to achieving long-term success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discipline and focus lead to the best periods of personal growth, but distractions can derail progress.
• 😀 Investing in a fancy gym may provide better facilities, but it can also introduce distractions that hinder your goals.
• 😀 Low-cost activities like nightclubs and parties can have hidden costs that impact health, time, and productivity.
• 😀 Holidays and vacations may feel unproductive for individuals driven by ambition and self-improvement.
• 😀 Personal growth and enjoyment often come from hard work and staying focused, rather than taking time off.
• 😀 Spending on personal training with a skilled coach can drastically improve progress compared to group classes.
• 😀 One-on-one training sessions, especially in martial arts, provide valuable feedback and faster progress than group lessons.
• 😀 Hiring good employees, like video editors and assistants, can free up mental bandwidth to focus on business growth.
• 😀 Delegating tasks like managing emails or scheduling can save hours each week and boost overall productivity.
• 😀 Investing in high-quality food, such as organic or grass-fed options, can have a positive impact on health and performance.
• 😀 The key to success is staying disciplined, avoiding distractions, and making intentional investments that support long-term growth.

Q & A

What impact did upgrading to a fancier gym have on the speaker's life?

Upgrading to a more expensive gym led to distractions that caused the speaker to lose focus on their self-improvement goals. They were distracted by the presence of others, particularly in dating and social situations, which derailed their discipline and ultimately affected their productivity and financial success.

How does the speaker view the relationship between distractions and self-improvement?

The speaker believes that distractions, such as superficial environments and casual dating, can significantly hinder self-improvement. They emphasize the importance of maintaining discipline and focus, as distractions can lead to wasted time and lost opportunities.

What are the speaker's thoughts on spending money on nightclubs and parties?

The speaker views spending money on nightclubs and parties as wasteful, especially considering the broader consequences like health issues (lack of sleep, ear damage) and the negative impact on personal growth. They argue that such distractions, even if relatively inexpensive, can have long-term costs.

What is the speaker's perspective on holidays and vacations?

The speaker feels that most holidays and vacations are a waste of time and money. They prefer to focus on personal growth and work, as they find fulfillment in progress and discipline rather than relaxation. They argue that holidays are more suited for people without significant responsibilities or ambitions.

Why does the speaker believe holidays are more suited for certain individuals?

The speaker believes that holidays are more enjoyable for people who are privileged or less driven, as they can afford to relax without feeling guilty. In contrast, individuals with a strong work ethic or a 'champion mindset' may feel unfulfilled during holidays and prefer to stay focused on their goals.

What is the speaker’s view on martial arts classes versus one-on-one coaching?

The speaker favors one-on-one coaching in martial arts, particularly in striking (e.g., Muay Thai or kickboxing), as it provides direct feedback and faster progress. They criticize group classes for wasting time on irrelevant exercises and ineffective drills that don’t help with technique or skill development.

How does the speaker compare group martial arts classes to one-on-one sessions?

The speaker finds group martial arts classes inefficient because they often spend too much time on warm-ups or partner drills that don't provide much value. In contrast, one-on-one sessions allow for focused attention and personalized feedback, which leads to quicker and more effective improvement.

Why does the speaker consider hiring employees an important investment?

The speaker considers hiring employees crucial for saving time and mental energy. For example, having an assistant to handle administrative tasks like emails or scheduling allows the speaker to focus on more important work, which is vital for scaling a business or achieving greater success.

How does the speaker use their assistant to improve efficiency?

The speaker’s assistant manages tasks like checking emails, signing up for websites, and handling small administrative duties. This allows the speaker to focus on higher-priority tasks without being distracted by minor responsibilities, ultimately saving time and boosting productivity.

What role does high-quality food play in the speaker’s success?

The speaker views high-quality food as an investment in health and productivity. They emphasize eating nutrient-dense meals and sourcing healthy ingredients to maintain optimal health, which in turn supports sustained focus, energy, and performance in work and personal development.